NIB’s executives have defended the insurer’s plans to cash in on medical tourism. The Australian Dental Association and Australian Medical Association have said NIB would not be able to guarantee the quality of procedures.

Health Minister Peter Dutton has announced a review of the PCEHR project. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton has been appointed as part of the three-member review panel.

E-health system a $1bn scandal, Australian Financial Review, 4 November 2013

Health Minister Peter Dutton has launched an inquiry into the former Labor government’s e-health record system. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton, who is part of the inquiry, said it was important that recommendations were made “fairly quickly”.

Study begins on sale of Medibank, TheAge, 6 November 2013

The Federal government has started the process for the privatisation of Medibank Private. The AMA has warned that a sale could increase health insurance premiums by decreasing competition.

The ABC’s leading health expert Dr Norman Swan has accused the broadcaster’s flagship science program of putting cholesterol patients at risk of death. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said medicos were under siege from patients questioning their statin medicines after watching the two-part program.

Hockey hands back tax breaks, Hobart Mercury, 7 November 2013

Treasurer Joe Hockey has decided to axe Labor’s $2000 limit on tax deductions for work related self-education expenses. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said it had been a tax on learning that would have discouraged investment in skills and stifled excellence.

The reversal of the $2000 cap on self-education expenses to help pay for the Gonski school reforms has been widely hailed as a vote for common sense. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said it was a very welcome outcome.

NIB site to rate health experts, The Age, 8 November 2013

Health insurer NIB has launched a controversial and long-mooted website that rates and compares the performance of allied health professionals such as dentists, optometrists and chiropractors. The AMA has been a vocal critic of customer comparison sites.

Live long, prosper in Mitcham, Adelaide Advertiser, 8 November 2013

According to the ABS, South Australians are living longer than their interstate counterparts, with a median age in the State of 83 years in 2012. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said health literacy, access to services, and socio-demographic background were all factors contributing to a long and healthy life.

Trapped in a hi-tech world, The Daily Telegraph, 9 November 2013

Tech-savvy kids now spend more time online or watching television than they do at school, and should be put on a media diet of two hours a day. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said children were growing obese because they spent too much time in front of screens.

It’s in the genes, Sunday Canberra Times, 10 November 2013Learning about your DNA can provide a health road map for your life. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said while DNA testing was promising, he urged caution in using the technology, giving its early stage of development.

Radio

Dr Steve Hambleton, ABC NewsRadio Sydney, 1 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed GPs being able to directly refer patients for a Medicare-funded MRI scan. He said it was a good move by the Federal Government.

Dr Steve Hambleton, ABC NewsRadio Sydney, 4 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed ABS data showing reduced smoking and improved diagnosis and treatment was reducing cancer death rates, but he warned those living in rural areas were not sharing in much of this progress because of many disadvantages.

Dr Steve Hambleton, Radio National, 4 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said e-health potentially had great value for health professionals and patients, but only if it delivered improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of care.

Dr Steve Hambleton, ABC NewsRadio Sydney, 6 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed the Federal Government’s decision to get rid of Labor’s $2000 cap on self-education expenses. He said this was a win for common sense.

Dr Steve Hambleton, 3AW Melbourne, 6 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed an article which stated one doctor lodged bulk billing claims based on seeing 500 patients in one day. He said the doctor did see that many people, but it was associated with a company offering workplace health and safety services, including vaccination.

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed a new report that showing that life expectancy rates in Australia were increasing. He said that we can live longer by following good health practices.

Dr Steve Hambleton, 2GB Sydney, 11 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed children using smartphones. He recommended a two hour limit on smartphone use, and raised concerns that pornography was easy to find on the internet.

TV

Dr Steve Hambleton, ABC News 24, 4 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed the Government’s decision to order an independent review of electronic health records. He said the review, of which he is a part, should recommend ways to increase the efficiency of the system and allow GPs to access it simply.

Dr Steve Hambleton, Channel 10, 8 November 2013

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton discussed the impact patients with diabetes have on hospitals. He outlined the complications associated with diabetes that meant diabetic patients clogged up hospitals.

Dr Steve Hambleton, Channel 9 Sydney, 9 November 2013

AMA president Dr Steve Hambleton discussed life expectancy in Australia. He said improved education and quality medical care have contributed greatly to a longer life.